Cool guys thanks for all your input! Personally I have found that during my 6+ years or so playing Rebellion (when it first came out), is that 2 heavy ships are better than a super-heavy ship/ for example: 1 SSD = 2 I2SD's (Impstar Deuces). This is because they are equal in fighter capacity, better combined shields and the ability to fire from more than one direction, with the SSD outmatching the 2 I2SD's in troop capacity and forward weaponry. This is the primary reason for less SSD's on my fleet (as well as the getting stuck thing), as I use them for lone missions or setor colonisation in the outer rim, as 1 SSD can colonise a sector and defend itself. Also about the Defenders. I have also found that Defenders are inferior to TIE Interceptors on the points and power basis. For example: 1 TIE Defender Sq. = 7. main pts, 10 laser rating 1 TIE Interceptor Sq. = 3 main. pts, 8 laser rating I would rather have 7 TIE Interceptor sqs than 3 TIE Defender sqs, the laser power is higher as well as numerical superiority. Plus they allow fleets to engage each other quicker since they are deployed and don't have to line up like rebel fighters, which creates a massive space between fleets. Although Defenders have torpedoes, which I can't dispute makes them better than Interceptors against ships, their shields really don't give them a potent edge in combat. Fab story for the TC. It sure is a great plot! I have a lot of Rebellion experience, however I have no idea about skinning or such, although i am a hot hand with RebED, as are most people on here. I like to balance my ships against the other sides which allows me to witness some great combat battles. makes the game much more enjoyable! Its nice to know that there are nice people out there like the_mask. The vets I've seen on other forums bash newbs for their "lack of experience" and i'm glad to see vets like him remind us that he once used to be a newb like everyone else. Puts things into perspective. I've glanced at the RDB II boards. I know nothing about code or skinning, as i mentioned above my main strength is my ability to fairly balance ship and troop stats. I will have lots of free time at the end of june/early july as I'm doing my GCSE exams here in the UK Grr...will beat them and return to smash my opponent on Rebellion or whatnot lol Once again guys thanks and i hope my above text is some insight into perhaps a better game.